Mickey's Nightmare

As a big fan of Disney and Mickey Mouse, I was expecting more from Mickey's Nightmare. Not that it's bad, actually it is a good short. Apart from an intriguing set up, there is not much new to the story. While the children's antics are amusing, such as with Pluto and the carriage and the pulling in and out of drawers, they aren't much more than that, mostly they are very predictable. And it is easy to see why some may tire of the children-wrecking-the-house routine, as it is something that we have seen many times before and in a fresher manner(in my opinion). I too didn't care all that much for the brassiere joke, it was not very funny and came across as crude instead. However, there is still much to like. The animation is just wonderful, the shadings, lighting effects and backgrounds are in monochrome grey and are used absolutely beautifully, while all the characters are well drawn and the backgrounds crisp. The effects of the spinning rays and Mickey's exploding head are also very well-done. The music is full of spirit and character and the opening sequence is very charming. There are some good gags like with Mickey slapping away in disgust Pluto's paw after the babies are delivered by an army of storks and the children are irresistibly cute. Pluto has his usual energy, but at the end of the day(other than the animation that is) it is Mickey's cartoon. We smile through his exploits, sympathise with him through his torment and admire the sense of mischief still in him when he wakes up and smashes the Cupid statue. All in all, worth watching but not one of my favourites from Mickey or Disney. 7/10 Bethany Cox